This in from Unite the Isle of Wight, in their own words. Ed
The local pressure group against government austerity, Unite the Isle of Wight, is hailing the Chancellor’s U-turn on tax credit cuts as a victory for people power.
Formed last summer as a cross-party and no-party pressure group committed to the ‘politics of hope’, Unite the IOW have been campaigning against the proposed tax credit cuts along with nationwide anti-austerity groups (under the umbrella of The People’s Assembly Against Austerity) ever since they were proposed last summer.
People power
After the Chancellor’s policy reversal on Wednesday, Unite the Isle of Wight spokesperson Kay Smith said,
“This is a classic example of how campaigning and lobbying your local Conservative MP can lead to change. We are delighted that George Osborne has now changed his mind on tax credits.
“However, this does not mean that we are content. Government austerity policies continue in so many other areas of public services – health, education, social care. Big areas of cuts to local government means spending will fall by more than half over this parliament.”
Unpicking the budget statement
Kay went on to say,
“It is doubtful whether local councils can meet even their minimum statutory obligations. There is still much more to unpick from this statement, which will unfold over the coming days and weeks.
“We will be looking very closely at all areas of it and how it will really affect people on the Island. Unite the Isle of Wight remain 100% committed to our campaign to oppose these detrimental government policies.”
To that end, as previously announced, Unite the Isle of Wight are holding a third Rally Against Austerity this Saturday, from 3pm, in St Thomas’ Square, Newport. All are very welcome to attend, listen to speakers and show their support for this campaign.
Image: howardlake under CC BY 2.0
